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CHP1-L Pyrheliometer
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Overview

The CHP1-L, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen and cabled by Campbell Scientific, is a pyrheliometer used for unattended direct solar-radiation measurements. It is designed specifically to measure the direct beam solar irradiance with a field of view limited to 5 degrees. This is achieved by the shape of the collimation tube, precision apertures, and the detector design.

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Benefits and Features

  • ISO First Class
  • Built-in temperature sensors

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Detailed Description

To monitor direct normal irradiance, a CHP1 Pyrheliometer is mounted to a user-supplied sun tracker such as Kipp & Zonen's Solys2. The CHP1 pyrheliometer measures the direct-beam solar irradiance with a field of view limited to 5 degrees. The limited field of view requires the CHP1 to be continuously pointed toward the sun. The Solys2 Sun Tracker rotates on two axes and uses a GPS receiver to keep the CHP1 aimed at the sun throughout the day.

Specifications

Sensor Pyrheliometer
Measurement Description Measures the direct beam solar irradiance with a field of view limited to 5 degrees
Spectral Range 200 to 4000 nm
Sensitivity 7 to 14 µV/W/m2
Response Time < 5 s
Zero Offset B < 1 W/m2
Temperature Dependence of Sensitivity < 0.5% (-20° to +50°C)
Field of View (FOV) 5° ±0.2°
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +80°C
Non-Linearity < 0.2%
Maximum Irradiance 4000 W/m2
International Standards First Class ISO
Body Diameter 3.8 cm (1.5 in.)
Base Diameter 7.6 cm (3.0 in.)
Length 31.6 cm (12.4 in.)
Weight 0.9 kg (1.98 lb) excluding cable

Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
CR3000 (retired)
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CHP1-L: 12

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  1. Is a two-axis tracker needed for the CHP1-L?
    Absolutely. Because the CHP1-L measures the direct beam solar irradiance, it must follow the sun and remain within the limits of the 5 degree field of view to provide accurate measurements.
  2. How often should the CHP1-L be calibrated?
    Every two years.
  3. What type of sensor is the CHP1-L, and what does it measure?
    The CHP1-L is a pyrheliometer, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen, that measures the direct beam irradiance from the sun within a 5 degree solid angle around the sun.
  4. Can the output signal from a CHP1-L be negative?
    Yes, but only under certain conditions. The most common condition for a negative output signal occurs during nighttime measurements when the temperature of space is less than the sensor’s temperature.
  5. How often should the CHP1-L window be cleaned?

    Ideally, the window should be cleaned every morning.

  6. What type of tracker can be used with the CHP1-L?
    The CHP1-L is typically mounted to a user-supplied sun tracker, such as Kipp & Zonen’s Solys2 or EKO Instruments’ STR-21G/22G.
  7. Does the CHP1-L require a power supply?
    No.
  8. How does the CHP1-L work?

    A pyrheliometer, such as the CHP1-L, has a window through which sunlight enters. The sunlight, or incident solar short-wave radiation, is directed onto an electronic device called a thermopile. Using the thermoelectric effect, the thermopile acts as a large thermocouple that measures the temperature of a particular body—in this case, the sun. The thermal energy is converted into a voltage output signal that can be recorded by Campbell Scientific data loggers.

  9. Does the CHP1-L have an internal temperature sensor?
    Yes. The internal temperature can be measured using either the PT100 or thermistor built into the sensor.
  10. What are the different cable length choices available for Campbell Scientific sensors?

    Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:

    • An –LC model has a user-specified cable length for connection to an ET107, CS110, or retired Metdata1.
    • An –LQ model has a user-specified cable length for connection to a RAWS-P weather station.

    If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field in the product’s Ordering information. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.

    If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.

    • –ET models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station.
    • –ETM models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station, but they also include a special system mounting, which is often convenient when purchasing a replacement part.
    • –QD models terminate with the connector for a RAWS-F Quick Deployment Station.
    • –PW models terminate with the connector for a PWENC or pre-wired system.
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Case Studies

alberta: solar monitoring at high-latitude, cold-weather location
Alberta: Solar Monitoring at High-Latitude, Cold-Weather Location
The small southern Alberta city of Medicine Hat is the first city in the world......read more
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